Cheap 52 is a Philadelphia-based alt-rock trio made of tight riffs, memorable lyrics, lots of heart, and angst to match. The band is made up of singer/guitarist Buster Malino, lefty drummer Steve Valentino, and bassist/supporting singer Lily Congdon. Their sound is inspired by a blend of pop punk, emo, and rock music, ranging from acoustic ballads with a rock & roll twist to certified head-bangers.

Malino, who helms the band, wrote and produced his first record at age 15 and ten years later, his sound has grown with him. His latest album, Vermont (2024), chronicles coming to grips with changing relationships.

Cheap 52 dislikes posting short-form slop on their Instagram @cheap52official (follow them anyway because they still churn it out sometimes). Live shows are their M.O. The band has played together at Brooklyn’s Purgatory, World Cafe Live (RIP), and beyond. In 2026 they co-headlined their first tour where they rocked the house in NYC, Philly, Lancaster, Chicago, Madison, Detroit, Cleveland, Rochester, and Jersey. In September, they’re opening for the legendary Dinosaur Jr. in Virginia Beach. Stay tuned!